Ellen MacArthur set to claim Brittany Ferries 100 mile trophy

On Friday 3rd June Dame Ellen MacArthur, will set out to establish Plymouth to Roscoff record to claim the Brittany Ferries 100 Mile Trophy. The trimaran <<“B&Q”>>, the very same boat in which Ellen achieved her solo round the world record, will line up next to Brittany Ferries’ flagship, “Pont-Aven”, off Plymouth to set sail at 13.30 BST – the same time that Pont-Aven departs for the Brittany port of Roscoff.

On this occasion Ellen will not be attempting the record alone – she will have a crew – including top French skipper, Roland Jourdain, who is both long-term friend and rival of Ellen and <<B&Qs>> Boat Captain Loik Gallon.

As Pont-Aven can cruise at 27 knots, it is unlikely the trimaran will find the perfect whether to pass the finishing line at Roscoff before passengers disembark but, hopefully, a new record will be established. Whatever happens, passengers will be kept informed of progress, as Captain Joseph Hardouin, in command of Pont-Aven, will be in radio contact with Ellen throughout the crossing.

David Longden, Brittany Ferries’ Managing Director commented: “Brittany Ferries has been associated with Ellen MacArthur for a number of years and it is particularly appropriate that the “fastest woman afloat” should be pitched against the fastest conventional cruise-ferry on the channel. In setting a time for the Brittany Ferries 100 Mile Trophy, we hope that this will be challenged in subsequent years by a number of skilled yachtsmen as well as yachtswomen.”

The first of Brittany Ferries’ many routes was between Plymouth and Roscoff, and it is now the leading ferry company on the Western Channel. For details of all its services visit www.brittanyferries.com or call 08705 360 360

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Released 31 May 2005